“Without huge immediate commitment and action, we will struggle to survive higher temperatures, more disastrous bushfires, high category cyclones, increased flooding and the inundation of coastlines, islands and floodplains generating billions of climate refugees and a surge in tropical diseases.

“Not to speak of the extra financial burden for the replacement of private and public infrastructure, higher insurance fees, extra health facilities and more support for emergency services.”

Ms Vernon said that a “climate catastrophe”is in store for our children living on a hotter planet” and thus the silent and respectful single file walk is symbolic that the next generation that must survive in this hotter world.

“Will my grandchildren see the Great Barrier Reef?,” Ms Vernon said.

“How will I survive on a hotter planet?

“We cannot afford to ignore the need to transition coal workers to other industries; we must ban coal seam gas and all fossil fuel mining; and, we must urgently move to jobs-rich renewable energy industries.”